Device for moistening paper or cloth

Abstract

A device for moistening paper or cloth, and especially a pad of toilet paper immediately prior to use, includes a mounting base, for mounting on a toilet tank or optionally to an adjacent wall; a lever activated spring loaded valve connected to the mounting base, with a nozzle to emit a fine spray when the valve is activated; a paper support and actuator handle for supporting toilet paper or other material over the nozzle and for actuating the valve; and a drain pan disposed below the valve and nozzle to catch any excess water not absorbed by the paper, with a drain tube to drain excess water to the bowl of the toilet.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 547,505, titled “Device For Moistening Tissue Or Cloth”, filed Feb. 25, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of spray devices, and in its preferred embodiments more specifically relates to a device integral with or mounted on a toilet, for spraying a fine mist of water or other liquid onto tissue or a cloth when activated by a user.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION[0003]Personal hygiene and comfortable cleansing following use of a toilet facility are important considerations. For many people the most effective means for cleaning themselves, or others in their care such as the elderly or small children, is moistened, but not wet, paper or cloth. Various approaches are known in the prior art for moistening, especially, paper, but all are subject to certain disadvantages and drawbacks. Paper, such as toilet paper, ma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Provides a convenient, hygienic, and efficient means of moistening toilet paper or cloth without overspray, using a steady supply of clean water, reducing bacterial growth risks, and easy to install in most bathroom settings.

Problems solved by technology

Various approaches are known in the prior art for moistening, especially, paper, but all are subject to certain disadvantages and drawbacks.

Paper, such as toilet paper, may be moistened by holding the paper under running water from, e.g., a bathroom sink faucet, but this approach results in either spotty application of the water or excessive wetting of the paper and is an unsatisfactory solution.

A hand held spray bottle is often inconvenient to use and store, and requires both hands for operation; one to hold the paper and one to activate the spray.

The mounted spray devices typically require a pumping action to activate the spray, and while it may be possible for a user to operate the devices known in the prior art with one hand, it is cumbersome to do so and it is difficult to avoid overspray.

Water held in a reservoir is subject to growth of bacteria and algae, which can be detrimental to the users.

Packaged pre-moistened wipes may be used for cleansing, but such wipes are typically not flushable, and are significantly more costly than conventional toilet paper.

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